Robotic Binomials

I needed a little extra practice on multiplying binomials so I decided to do some more STEM integration. I've been surprised by how many students seem to enjoy the creativity coloring aspect so like to give them a chance to 'brain break' with the work.

Thinking back on my Emoji Math one (you may read about it and/or get it here), I asked the students what they would like to color. The definitive answer was something different! Enter, Walter! Walter is my Space Center Houston USB Hub Buddy that regularly sits atop my desk and helps encourage me. I received him while attending SEEC, the Space Exploration Educators Conference. It is incredible and if you ever get the chance, GO! I cannot speak enough about what an incredible experience it is. People come from around the WORLD!

Sorry, back to the topic at hand, h👀ere is Walter Algebr-ing and downloading...

So I'm looking for a robot outline to use for the activity when Walter pipes up with his hand in the air... So I made him in a word document. He's very excited to make it onto an activity!

Look at the Joy!

So the activity, students will multiply the binomials, match it to the answer below which tells them how to decorate that 'Walter'. There are 3 versions in the same document so all 12 answers/designs are used.

Easy way for them to have instant feedback and assessment. Plus, they get a little relief before factoring!  

Get my Walter Activity, Robotic Binomials HERE for FREE!
The font I used for the title and directions is KG Payphone and you may download it free here at dafont.com. I have also saved it in Word and PDF for you.

For answer keys, please email camfan54@att.net from an official teacher school or professional account that I can verify. I have had a number of students and generic email accounts request keys. I don't want to ruin the integrity of an assignment for any of you. Thank you and hope you understand.

Enjoy!
Lisa

What's In Your Future?!?! Multiplying Binomials

Will you be a race car driver? Will you have 10 kids? Where will you live? All these can be answered with some multiplying binomials!!

So to expand upon my Clue Factoring Activity, I decided to do something different with multiplying binomials. Using the same concept, you will solve the problems to reveal your future! Kind of like the old MASH game.

 

The students were thoroughly enjoying it. They were completely engaged in the activity and groan grumbles and cheers went through the class as they revealed their destiny.

There are 3 versions with all the same problems, just the answers are mixed up. 

For answer keys, please email camfan54@att.net from an official teacher school or professional account that I can verify. I have had a number of students and generic email accounts request keys. I don't want to ruin the integrity of an assignment for any of you. Thank you and hope you understand.

To get my original Clue Factoring activity, click here.

To get this activity for FREE, click here! 
I have left it in both Word and PDF. The font used was KG Payphone which can be downloaded for FREE on dafont.com here!!


Enjoy discovering the secrets to your future!

Lisa

Totally Off Topic... How to make a 'real' headband!

So I know this is a math centered blog but today I'm going to do a little real life application on how to make a headband for woking out. Not to be confused with my favorite educational tool headbands. If looking for the classroom headband blog, you can click here! Today, as most days, I will go off topic and post my workout headband how to here so I can easily share with some awesome peeps that have asked for the info. Thank you for indulging me!

I am a sewer by Pinterest. Seriously, I just wanted to be able to make some of the cute stuff I saw on Pinterest. With a little Youtube and some patience from the wonderful sewing store in Joann Fabric, I have been able to enjoy sewing and make some unique costumes to entertain the students or adhere to lesson themes 😆

I do a lot of winging it and do not really measure. I finally did for those that asked as well as knowing how much material I needed as some stretchy licensed materials are quite expensive!

So to start, the math! I use 1/2 yard stretchy fabric. I cut rectangles in 9 inch by 19-21 inch squares. Really, I wing it and measure it around my head but since I know my head is on the ginormous side, I often make some smaller. They all fit so somedays it just depends how tight I want to wear the band during my walks! 

Make sure you cut with the stretch as some materials vary. You want to make sure the stretch goes lengthwise.

  

Fold the pieces printed signs in lengthwise.

I set the sewing machine to stretch medium and a zig zag stitch. I have a Husqvarna Sapphire 930 for reference and it sets the stitch length and width when I choose the material.

Turn the fabric right side out. 

I then fold about 1/2 inch in on one end and tuck the other end into it.

  

I then choose the standard straight stitch and change the material to stretch heavy since the area being sewn is so thick.

I then sew a straight stitch across the gathered part. I have learned that there is no way to get it flush but that's okay! I just wanted to be able to personalize my headbands and make them anytime I want for whatever I want!

The results are a headband approximately 18 inches by 4 inches. It varies based on sewing as stretchy material likes to move some and I am not a master sewer in any type of way!

Hope you enjoy! Look at all that math I applied in the 'real' world!

Lisa